Russia needed to win the game if they had any ambitions of making it to the knockout stages

However, before the football began, there was an opening ceremony inside the Luzhniki Stadium to officially mark the beginning of the month-long tournament.

Fans were treated to performances from the likes of Robbie Williams and Russian soprano Aida Garifullina while dancers and trampolinists strutted their stuff on the pitch to give the event a Russian feel.

The use of Robbie Williams attracted some criticism on social media but on the whole it was an uplifting ceremony. Below you can see the best pictures from the event.

The colourful opening ceremony begins

Robbie Williams lights up the Luzhniki Stadium

As well as having a British popstar performing the ceremony had a Russian feel to it

Russia president Vladimir Putin addresses the world

Williams sings with Russian soprano Aida Garifullina and the mascot is loving the performance!